Yesterday's Europa League draw threw up an intriguing group for Manchester United as they were drawn against Feyenoord, Zorya Luhansk and Fenerbache.

The latter, of course, now boast former United striker Robin Van Persie in their ranks. Although the Dutchman struggled towards the end of his time at Old Trafford, he remains a popular figure amongst United supporters, and they'll be sure to give him a warm welcome on his return.

The loyalty fans have for RVP has been shown in full force on social media today, too, with a host of Red Devils fans jumping to his defence when Sun journalist Neil Curtis mocked the striker on Twitter.

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Curtis had been responding to a tweet from Van Persie himself in which the Fenerbache forward had expressed his excitement at facing former clubs, United and Feyenoord.

The Sun journalist's tweet was clearly insinuating that RVP, after playing a key role in helping United win the Premier League in 2013, had been a flop in the rest of his time in Manchester.

Fans of the Old Trafford club simply weren't going to let him get away with that, and a barrage of heated tweets soon headed Curtis' way...

There's no doubt that Van Persie's goal-scoring form slowed down in his second and third seasons at United.

But, with his 26 goals have been the catalyst behind the team's 2012-13 league triumph, it is clear that a large section of supporters aren't willing to let his United career be mocked.

Unlike Arsenal fans who are yet to forgive the Dutchman for leaving their club for United in 2012, the Red Devils' fanbase certainly still hold the veteran forward in high regard.

Manchester United welcome Fenerbache and RVP to Old Trafford on October 20th. The Europa League group stage fixture is sure to be an intriguing one, if only to see how fans react to their former player on the night.

If today's Twitter exchange is anything to go by, it will likely be standing ovations and applause all around.

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